ch.1 pt 2

-What difference can you explain between him and the other students?

Ishmael seems quiet and timid. the other kids are intrigued by the fact that he witnessed war going on firsthand, but they really don't understand.

-How old was he when he first encountered war?

Ishmael was twelve.

-What is an example of a Western Civilian?

An example of a western Civilian would be a European or maybe an American.

-Why did he love hip hop?

He loved how the black men could speak so fast in English and to the beat.

-Why do you think he was mesmerized by the blacks on TV?

He probably never saw a black man on T.V. before and that probably made him feel like he could relate to them.

-What was the father’s reaction to the rap? What did he want them to watch instead?

The father laughed at them and thought they should be listening to the news.

-Can you relate to him and his fascination about another culture? And desire to dress or imitate the American rappers?

I could relate to him and his fascination with another culture, But I wouldn't want to imitate or dress like another culture.

-How was walking around town different from your town?

Walking around town is different over here because in our society we wouldn't walk 16 miles to get anywhere. We are spoiled and fat, but most people call it "civilized."

-What is grandma’s name? And how would you describe her.

The grandma's name is Mamie Kpana. She was tall and had nice cheekbones and big eyes. I would also describe her as wise and caring.

-How would you describe granddad?

The granddad was a well-known arabic scholar and healer in the village and in other ones too.

-What is a sign of god luck?

Waving good-bye with your right hand is considered a sigh on good luck.

-Why was school canceled?

School was canceled because the village Ishmael is from was attacked by the rebels.

-Who are Rebels, What do they do? What happens to families because of them?

The rebels are the guys who are attacking the villages, killing people and burning down houses. Families are being separated, mostly killed.

-What is the family relationship like? Can you relate? Having separate families?

The two oldest sons (Ishmael and his older brother) live with the father, who has had many wives. The younger brother lives the mother. I don't live with both of my parents.

-What does the women mean pg.11 quote? What was going on?

The woman is basically telling them that they shouldn't even bother going back there. The boys want to go back to see if they can find their families and they are about to get on a canoe to cross the river.

-Give me 3 examples that showed display of a hard life and war? Give details.

When they arrive to the grandmother's village it is deserted at first, then there are parents calling out for their children, and the children were calling out for their parents. Also, the fact that they run and hide when they hear any vehicle approaching is so sad. The rebels are kill children and whole families.

-Give one example of the cruelty of the rebels?

When a family was trying to escape they shoot at the van, killing everyone except the father.

-What kind of war was going on? Pg.14

It is a "revolutionary war, a liberation of the people from corrupt government."

-What was his dream? What do you think it meant? Have you had any dreams that were hard to tell from dream or reality? Describe.

He dreamt that he got shot in his side ant people were running past him and not helping him. Then someone was standing on top of him with a gun, and they pointed it to the spot where he had been shot. When they pulled the trigger, he woke up. I think the dream could be like a premonition. My dreams are usually so crazy that I know they are dreams.

-Tell me about a time where you could not get an image out of your head?

I saw this really disgusting video on the internet, but I don't think it is appropriate to describe =]